BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND PLAN

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of life and we depend on it! It is as microscopic as the DNA which is arranged into the genes of single cell, through to the different species of plants and animals in our environment.

Rice growers are enhancing their landscape to create a mosaic of habitats for all

They have come to recognise the huge influence they have in promoting biodiversity in Australia and this is why our growers are committed to enhancing the environment.

Biodiversity on a rice farm

The East Asian-Australian Flyway Zone

Rice farms are a haven for all sorts of plants and animals. In fact, the rice regions of Australia have become part of The East Asian-Australian Flyway Zone; an international flyway corridor for migratory journeys of many bird species, including water birds that would otherwise not be seen in this part of the world.

Rice bays and irrigation channels are an ideal home for insects and animals including tortoises and billions of frogs. Research has shown that around 40 billion frogs are found on rice farms throughout the Riverina * and the Endangered Southern Bell Frog relies on the rice industry for its survival. The farm landscape also includes remnant vegetation that provides homes for many different species of animal and insect.

All human activity has an impact on the environment and agriculture is partly responsible for a decrease in biodiversity in regional Australia. This is why the industry has developed a strategy aimed at enhancing and improving the biodiversity on both the rice farm and surrounding areas.

The Biodiversity Strategy and Plan (BS&P)

The BS&P was developed by the CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia to provide practical guidelines for rice farmers so that they can address and act on improving biodiversity.

Farmers are implementing measures on and around their farms that will ensure native plants and creatures can live in harmony with the rice growing environment. Some of the activities include planting and maintaining areas of native vegetation and ensuring Black Box and Red Gum woodland depressions are flooded occasionally to rejuvenate wetland species.

The rice industry is the first agricultural industry in Australia to develop a Biodiversity Strategy and Plan.

RICE & THE ENVIRONMENT
 Environmental Policy
 Environmental Champions Program
 Biodiversity Strategy and Plan
 Greenhouse Strategy
 Water and our Natural Resources

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